Rolex introduced its very first all-titanium model ever. The new Deepsea Challenge model pushes the limits of not only horology but also the laws of physics with its waterproof value of up to 11,000 meters.
The information we had previously obtained was that Rolex had purchased a large amount of titanium. Since then, it has been a matter of great curiosity how the Swiss brand would use so much titanium. The case back of the Sea-Dweller Deepsea model, which is currently the largest piece of the collection, was made of titanium, but there should be something even bigger behind this: A brand new model made entirely of titanium.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Challenge 126067 is the brand's first model made entirely of titanium, as well as the mass-production wristwatch that offers the most depth value ever made. The first version of the new Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Challenge 126067 introduced in 2012, attached to the robotic arm of the submersible used by James Cameron during his dive into the Mariana Trench, which is considered the deepest point in the world (10,994 meters). After 10 years, Rolex is here with the mass-production version of the same model.
The new model’s case and bracelet are made of Grade 5 titanium alloy that contains aluminum and vanadium. The case measures 50mm in diameter and 23mm in height. The 9.5mm thick sapphire crystal is one of the reasons behind this value. The model is water resistant to 11,000 meters/36,090 feet. Moreover, per diver watch standards, every watch is tested by exceeding this value by 25%. In other words, the model is practically waterproof up to 13,750 meters. A depth that doesn’t exist in the world…
Rolex has equipped the Deepsea Challenge model with special technologies to withstand these astonishing depths. The patented Ringlock system prevents the case from deforming by transferring the extraordinary load on the crystal to a stainless steel ring. According to Rolex, it is possible to make thinner diver's watches that can go to extreme depths thanks to the Ringlock system. So without Ringlock, we would have a much thicker Deepsea Challenge model. We could have given more of Rolex's struggle against pressure to keep the watch on our wrist. The Deepsea Challenge model also has a helium escape valve, just like the other Deepsea models in the Rolex catalog.
The model features a uni-directional bezel hosting a ceramic insert. The dial has a black background and large accents. The model is powered by the in-house Caliber 3230 which does not have a date function. The automatic movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800vph) and offers up to 70 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The Rolex Deepsea Challenge is secured to the wrist with a titanium bracelet featuring a Glidelock clasp and a special diver’s extension that makes it easy to wear over diving suits up to 7mm thick. Honestly, what you need more than a solid bracelet for this watch, which weighs 251 grams despite being 40% lighter than stainless steel, is a solid wrist.
Deepsea Challenge does not promise a comfortable experience in daily life with its 61mm lug-to-lug distance. On the other hand, the addition of such a high-tech model to the Rolex product line as a standard production model attracts the attention of many watch enthusiasts, not just collectors. Finally, I hope we can see the chamfered lines from the sides of the case and go down to the lugs on other Rolexes.
Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Challenge 126067, with a list price of EUR 25,750, will soon meet its fans at authorized Rolex sales points.
